December 16
PROVERBS 23
15 My son, if your heart is wise,
my heart too will be glad.
16 My inmost being will exult
when your lips speak what is right.
17 Let not your heart envy sinners,
but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day.
18 Surely there is a future,
and your hope will not be cut off.
19 Hear, my son, and be wise,
and direct your heart in the way.
– Proverbs 23:15-19
PROVERBS 23 BENEFITS OF FEAR OF THE LORD
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When you fear the Lord your God faithfully
You will always follow the right path continually
There will be wisdom ready for you to use
There is hope and a future awaits you
When you fear the Lord and obey him
You will tread the right way and overcome sin.
In these Proverbs, Solomon gives us a glimpse of the outcome of fearing the Lord. He says that when we fear the Lord, he is delighted. Each time we speak the truth, God is glorified.
Those who revere God will be spared from envying the world’s ways. They will have a future and they will not be desperate or hopeless.
In Proverbs 14:27, Solomon also mentions another benefit of fearing the Lord. It is the fountain of life and it ensures that we can avoid the snares of death. In Proverbs 8:13, he also mentions that fear of the Lord is the hatred of evil. In other words, when we revere the Lord, we will not get into the habit of sinning. Proverbs 19:23 says it protects us from harm and keeps us content and satisfied.
REFLECTION
• How come some people don’t fear God despite its many benefits?
